South Korea’s presidential security chief, Park Chong-jun, resigned on Friday amid mounting tensions over the attempted detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. This development comes as investigators prepare for a renewed bid to arrest Yoon, who has been under scrutiny for his martial law declaration following a short-lived power grab on December 3.
Park submitted his resignation while attending police questioning over allegations of obstructing public duty. Acting President Choi Sang-mok later accepted the resignation, a move seen as an effort to diffuse the escalating political crisis that has gripped South Korea.
Yoon’s legal troubles intensified after investigators secured a new arrest warrant, making him the first sitting South Korean president to face potential detention. His refusal to cooperate with questioning and his guards’ active resistance during a previous arrest attempt have further fueled public divisions.
On Friday, Park urged investigators to avoid any violent confrontations during future arrest attempts. “Under no circumstances should there be physical clashes or bloodshed,” he emphasized before appearing for questioning at the Korean National Police Agency.
The standoff has created a highly polarized environment, with rival protest camps braving freezing temperatures. While some demand Yoon’s immediate detention, others insist his impeachment is invalid.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) has vowed to proceed cautiously with the renewed arrest attempt. Meanwhile, police commanders held a meeting to strategize for the operation. Park had previously ignored police summons, citing the critical responsibility of protecting Yoon.
In a related development, prosecutors indicted a former defense intelligence commander for his role in the martial law decree, charging him with insurrection and abuse of authority. Security measures around Yoon’s residence have been intensified, with barbed wire and barricades reinforcing the compound.
Yoon also faces an impeachment trial set to begin on January 14. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold his suspension or reinstate him.
Political analysts warn that any violent clashes could weaken Yoon’s position ahead of the trial, despite rising approval ratings for his People Power Party, which reached 34% in a recent Gallup poll.
